Sports

Despite the odds, San Pedro Pirates FC, the premier football team of the island, is heading to the finals of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Closing Season championship. The team stunned football fans nationwide by defeating the tournament's leading team, Port Layola, with a score of 4-2 on Sunday, April 13th, at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City. This victory, combined with a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the semi-finals on their home ground, secured the San Pedro Pirates a 5-3 aggregate score, earning them a spot in the finals.

n March 6th, the San Pedro Town Council's Sports Department launched its highly anticipated annual softball tournament at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex (Saca Chispas Field). This event marks the beginning of an exciting season for local softball enthusiasts and is part of the council's ongoing efforts to promote sports and community engagement in San Pedro. The opening day featured four teams competing in friendly but spirited matches, showcasing local talent and promoting recreational activities.

The San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) male football team returned to the island as the sub-champions of this year’s Bishop’s Cup national championship. The tournament took place at the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) stadium in the capital city of Belmopan on March 28th. This annual event featured teams nationwide from Roman Catholic (RC) primary schools.

The Premier League of Belize (PLB) semi-finals kicked off on Saturday, April 5th, at the Ambergris Stadium, where fans eagerly anticipated the match between the San Pedro Pirates and Port Layola. In the first leg of the semi-finals for the tournament’s closing season, the island team faced the visiting team in an intense match that ended in a 1-1 draw. The San Pedro Pirates are now preparing for a decisive second game scheduled for Sunday, April 13th, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City.

The San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) male football team represented the Cayes and the central region at the national football tournament organized by the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize (ATLIB). Independence Junior College hosted the tournament, which took place on March 28th and 29th at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, located in the southern Stann Creek District.

In a tense match at the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday, March 29th, the San Pedro Pirates earned a place in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) playoffs by drawing 0-0 with Port Layola. San Pedro had two options to advance in the tournament: they could either win or draw the game. The team from the island fought hard under significant pressure to remain in the competition.

Following the disappointing loss against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup qualifiers, the senior men's national football team is expected to see significant changes under the new Minister of Sports, the Honourable Anthony Mahler. The national team, known as the Jaguars, suffered a staggering 13-1 defeat in aggregate goals against Costa Rica, which is led by Mexican coach Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera. Since the loss, Belizeans have expressed their disappointment in the national team’s performance and are calling for changes. However, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), through its president, stated on Wednesday, March 26, that there are no major issues within the team, and any minor problems will be addressed.

A large number of runners of all ages participated in the annual Stride for Change 5K and 10K run, which aims to empower women, promote fitness, and foster a sense of competition. The event highlights the efforts and contributions of women in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, showcasing their various talents that enhance the island community each day.